2016 - What a Year!

It's been a great year!  A ministry, a daughter-in-law, a new "job", song writing, worship leading, traveling, and more....it's been a sold out to Jesus year and I can't wait to see how He is going to use me in 2017.  Life, of course, is not without its ups and downs...my mom has been in and out of the hospital (she's doing pretty good right now), my grandpa was just released from the hospital (seems to be better), I lost miserably in fantasy football...last place, seriously....it was bad (there's always next season), sorry, that was rather tacky...but I really do love football.  I haven't blogged since September, shame on me, but rest assured, I'm ok and sort of have good reasons excuses.  Lots of ministry happening here and there and everywhere...in prisons, North Carolina, Arkansas, it's really been amazing.  I've read lots of books (ok...a couple), I finished another course in my goal to obtain a Certificate in Worship Ministry through Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary...almost done :)  I should wrap it up this Spring, lots of hospital runs and appointments with my mama, the discovery of Gilmore Girls on netflix...the list goes on and on.  But those are the highlights.  Let's back up...

The wedding....July 30, 2016, my son, Christian and his bride, Sydney tied the knot.  It was a lovely wedding officiated by my father-in-law and Christian's grandpa, Lester.  Sydney is a precious young lady and we are proud to have her in our family.

I quit my job in July, so I could do more ministry work, write more songs, etc....and boy, did that explode!  I wrote four songs from August to October, traveled to Arkansas to lead worship for a ladies retreat, traveled to North Carolina to participate with a TV ministry - I led worship there as well, it's been pretty amazing...read our Sing for the King Ministries 2016 Year in Review.

https://singfortheking.com/2016/12/31/2016-a-year-in-review/

Our ministry has seen countless lives changed by the Gospel in and out of prison, I have been so blessed to be a part of it all.  My marriage, faith, and love for people is stronger than it ever has been and the Glory belongs to the Lord.  Thank You, Jesus, for these life-changing moments of 2016, I won't forget them.

Almost forgot to do our Christmas Card though, that would've been tragic, ha.  I threw this together and mailed it on December 22nd...what a loser ;)

And hey, read these books...

Epic Christmas Card 2015

If you know us then you know we have an outlandish Christmas card tradition.  Here is 2015's epic Christmas card...

My Baby Boy - A High School Graduate

Where does the time go?  It doesn't seem that long ago that Cameron was in First Grade talking with a sweet little lisp, cuddling with me, and looking up at me through those cute little glasses.  He has grown into the funniest, loving, and compassionate young man.  We are so very blessed.

I had Cameron's Graduation party at our house.  I threw the idea of having it at home last year and James said "sure".  Little did he know that I meant that and a couple of months ago mentioned it again and he said "call First Baptist Church of Lincoln and see if their fellowship hall is available", it's where I had Christian's party which was great, it's right across from the school but I had my heart set on having it at home.  I reluctantly called, unfortunately they were all booked up.  So my amazing husband worked his tail off fixing up our yard, decks, you name it.  Cameron and I raked and hauled lots of leaves but James still takes the cake on all the work he did, I was so proud of him, he gave me my wish to have this party at home.  Yes, our house is small, yes, it was crowded, but it was awesome.  Over 50 people came, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, church family, my cousin - Marcelena, from Texas!  It was wonderful!

 My mom, Marilee, Cameron, and my aunt, Barbara.

 He is so goofy and strong...

 Really strong...

 

This is my favorite thing on display at his party, a kindergarten self portrait.  It is so sweet and really captures him perfectly, an adorable, carefree little boy with glasses.  People asked me if I cried at graduation...I didn't, but when I came across this picture I teared up a little.  I miss my boys being little, they were so much fun, they still are just in a different way.  I know they have to grow up and that's probably why I didn't cry, I'm looking forward to the next chapter of their (my babies) lives and mine and James' as well.

"Children are a gift from God; they are his reward." Psalm 127:3

Christmas Picture 2014

Our crazy Christmas picture is getting increasingly more difficult.  This year we had a weekend trip planned for Kansas City in mid-December and I told my family that we had to get this picture taken so we could get it in the mail in time.  We had tickets for a Kansas City Chiefs game and decided to make a weekend out of it.  We also went to church with one of my favorite people, Cat :)  It was so good to see her. 

We also did a lot of shopping, and then it hit me...the old navy family! We will take our picture with them for our Christmas card.  I asked one of the store employees if she would take our picture, she said sure and thought it was a fun idea.  I also asked her if we could get up on the platform/table thing but she said no.  She snapped a picture of us with Cameron's phone and whew, the task was complete.  We really gotta get started sooner...

Family's Family

"They" always say you can choose your friends but can't choose your family.  I love my family...there are some weird ones, of course, but still, they accept me the way I am.

My Grandpa, John Hardin

My Mom, Marilee, and Sister, Candy

My niece, Quen

My Aunt Barbara

My Cousin Misty

My niece, Amber

My Cousin Charity

My Aunt Pat and Uncle Lee

My Cousin Jennifer

My Uncle Rich (Dale) and Aunt Marsha

My Awesome Family

My Aunt Barbara and Uncle Chester

My Aunt Mary and Uncle Eric

Siblings: Uncle Rich, Aunt Barbara, Mom - Marilee, and Uncle Eric

My Baby is 18...and a Superhero

Cameron turned 18 years old on Monday, October 6.  This kid, he is really a remarkable young man.  I am so proud of who he is and who he is becoming, I know God has some amazing things in store for him, he has a beautiful, kind, compassionate heart.  And...he's a superhero.  He loves Superman...I don't know if it's because he wants to be superman, wants to fly?  Wednesday for spirit week he is was superman/clark kent all rolled into one. 

I love that he is so fun and not too cool to have fun.  He doesn't want to party like most kids his age, he loves working with kids with special needs, and he is serious about his purity.  He gives me hugs and tells me he loves me...and will even say it first.  He sings loud and proud in the shower, this morning it was his all state choir tryout piece.  He loves the song "Aint No Mountain High Enough" and other oldies which crack me up.  He is a special person.  Don't get me wrong, he isn't perfect but he is a gift from God and I am so thankful and proud to be his mama.  Today as he was leaving the house for school I asked him to let me take his picture (he told me he was taking all his pics all week without smiling).

He opened the door and it was pouring down rain.  He asked if we had an umbrella and I said no :(  He said "it's ok...I'll use my cape!"  He flung it over his head and away he went.

He is a standout in a crowd (LHS choir singing the National Anthem)